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>> August 30, 2011

Kirani James of Grenada set a personal best 44.60s to win the gold medal in the men's 400m at the IAAF Daegu World Championships. The medal is the first for Grenada in any event at the World championships in athletics. The 18-year-old (19 years on September 01) upsets the defending world champion LaShawn Meritt in the silver medal position (44.43). Belgium's Kevin Borlee took the bronze medal in 44.90s.

Meritt was expected to defend his world title when he ran a world lead 44.35s in the round 1, but it's really the day for Kirani who chased down Meritt at last 10 meters. With the victory, Kirani James became the youngest athlete to win the men's 400m at the IAAF World championships. The time however is way off the world junior record 43.87s set by Steven Lewis of USA enroute to win the gold medal at 1988 Olympics.

Beside that, there's another great achievement in the finals. Belgians Kevin Borlee (bronze) and Jonathan Borlee (fifth) are a pair of twins, and without any doubt the fastest twins in the world for quarter-mile event. The twins coached by their father, Jacques Borlee.

>> August 29, 2011

As expected, Carmelita Jeter of USA won the 100m women final at the IAAF World championships in athletics at Daegu on 29.08.2011. She clocked a moderate time of 10.90s in the race against a strong headwind -1.4m/s. Second place was the Olympic and world champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica in 10.97s. Trinidad and Tobago's Kelly-Ann Baptista finished third (10.98s), just ahead of the Olympic champion Shelly Ann Fraser of Jamaica (10.99s) who made a comeback after a "long break".

Jeter, who coached by renowned track guru, John Smith did not get a good start, was 3rd place at first 40 meters but managed to execute the race very well, overtaken Shelly Ann Fraser at last 30 meters and across the line with happiness - first world title. In 2009, she ran an incredible 10.64s - second fastest time of all-time (behind Flo-Jo 10.49s), and prior to that she did 10.67s.

Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare finished 5th in 11.12s, ahead of Jamaica's Kerron Stewart in 6th position (11.15s). Bulgaria's Ivet Lalova who has a PB of 10.77s only managed to place 7th in 11.27s with Marshevet Myers of USA last in 11.33s.

To sum up, all women sprinters (100m) at the 2011 World championships are faster than Sogelau Tuvalu !!.

Video of women's 100m final (-1.4) - IAAF World Championships in Athletics

The men's 110mh final would be very exciting when three fastest high hurdlers of all time, Dayron Robles (12.87 WR), Liu Xiang (12.88) and David Oliver (12.89s) lining up against each other at the third day of World championships in Daegu.

However, the world record holder and Olympic champion, Dayron Robles of Cuba was disqualified for stopping China's Liu Xiang to hunt the gold medal.

Dayron Robles was leading the fields from the start but Liu Xiang came from behind to overtake him and when both clearing the 9th hurdles, there was a slight "pulling" from Robles that made Liu to lost the momentum before both athletes hits each other at last hurdles. Robles across the line in 13.14s, followed by Richardson in 13.16s and Liu in 13.27s. Andy Turner finished in 13.44, the same official time as Oliver in 5th.

Protest by China camp on behalf of Liu Xiang was successful and the incident was classified as "obstruction on track" although the such incident is considered "nature of the high hurdles". As the second finisher, Jason Richardson was awarded the gold medal , Liu Xiang and Andy Turner moved up for silver an bronze respectively.

I have a mixed feeling as for the latest false start drama that destroyed the dream of the Olympic and world champion, Usain Bolt to retain the world 100m title. He moved out of the blocks "too early" and causes an elimination, thus enabled his training partner, Yohan Blake to create a history. According the new rule (162.7), any athlete commits a false start is automatically out of the race.

It means that any flick, twitch, flinch and movement that cause a high pressure on the blocks pedal and happened in less than 0.100s would be considered a false start. But the IAAF rules doesn't state further consequences when there were flinch or body movement from other athletes that may trigger the others to react and commit false start.

Alright there is a question, who really made the first move? look at the video carefully, Usain Bolt in the lane 5 and Yohan Blake in lane 6. At the full set position, there is a slight body movement from Blake (0:13-0:15), which may trigger a respond (to move) from athletes who have already set the mind to react as fast as possible when a stimulus received. Nevertheless the flinch was not obvious, it's difficult to catch a minor flinch with naked eye. Furthermore, after the break, people (including the officials) focusing on Usain Bolt who took off his vest immediately then covered his face, seems expressing he was the one who guilty.

That's the first point. Another thing to point is that the mistake done by the officials. Under the rule 162.6 (c), the starter shall abort the start when there are interference or disturbs during set position. In this case, there was a bit interference. But again, it's dependent on the discretion or judgement of starter.

All in all, based on the rules and consideration (starter's discretion), Yohan Blake didn't commit a false start while Usain Bolt did. Maurice Greene was indeed correct when he predicts Blake would upsets Bolt at World championships. Anyway, the IAAF need to fix and improve the regulations regarding "the start" and judgements must be consistent.
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Yohan Blake of Jamaica became the world champion after winning the men's 100m race at the IAAF World championships in athletics in Daegu on August 28, 2011. He clocked a time of 9.92s at the race into a strong headwind of -1.4m/s. The time is three hundredth of a second slower than his personal best, 9.89s. Given a normal condition (zero wind), he would have run 9.82-9.84s.

Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix (PB 9.88) took the silver medal in 10.08s, while the 2003 world champion Kim Collins (PB 9.98) of St Kitts and Nevis who piped by Walter Dix on the line bagged bronze (10.09s).

Defending world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt (PB 9.58 WR) false started and subsequently disqualified. His recorded's reaction time is -0.104, about 0.20s earlier than the allowed measurement (0.100), 0.099 would be considered a false start.

France's Christophe Lemaitre (PB 9.92) finished 4th in 10.19s, ahead of Daniel Bailey of Antigua who clocked 10.26. Newcomer Jimmy Vicaut of France who has the lowest PB (10.07s) in the final was 6th in 10.27s. Jamaica's Nesta Carter (PB 9.78) injured himself and run through to the line with 10.95s (well, faster than Raymond Stewart in 1988 Olympics, 12.26s - same case!!).

Whatever it is if you think you can't advance to finals or semifinals in the World championships, then personal best will be the major goal isn't it? Athletes who did it would be considered successful and not waste of time.

American Samoa's Sogelau Tuvalu was the limelight in the first day (morning session) of the IAAF World championships in Athletics, Daegu 2011. The 17-year-old big guy who may weigh at least 130kg or almost 300 pounds ran an incredible (for the size!) personal best 15.66s (-0.9) in the heat 4 of men's 100m preliminary round. The heat was won by Malaysia's Mohd Noor Imran Hadi who managed to run 10.77s, unfortunately not a personal best as his best is 10.40s - I'm not saying he did not success, though he has the chance to improve the time in the Round 2 or Qurterfinals (first ever Malaysian sprinters to advance in the next round of 100m in World champs).

NOT THE SLOWEST TIME

Surprisingly, Tuvalu's time is NOT the slowest in the World championships history. Who the heck slower than this man? Kim Collins of St Kitts!!. He ran 21.73s during the round 1 at the 1997 World champs in Athens, and 6 years later (2003) he became the World 100m champion.

>> August 26, 2011

Here is a predictions of future World champions from the IAAF World championships in Athletics in Daegu which will starts on 27.08 to 04.09, 2011. (Note: selected events only, 1st paragraph for men, 2nd for women).

100 meters
Despite of being the 7th fastest in the world this year, Usain Bolt is going to defend his sprint century title in Daegu. Richard Thompson, Justin Gatlin, Yohan Blake and Walter Dix will be fighting to seize the next two medals. It's a great upset, the first four fastest men in the world this year, Asafa Powell (9.78), Tyson Gay (9.79), Steve Mullings (9.80) and Michael Rodgers (9.85) are out of the championships.

In women's, Jarmelita Jeters of USA seems the one who will take the world title. Two others podium finishers are most likely owned by the Jamaicans.

200 meters
No one can stop Usain Bolt to win gold in his favorite event. He will take the gold medal home, though he will do a "slower time". Honestly, in World champs I also awaits the achievements of two runners - Jayasuma Saidy Ndure (NOR) and Femi Seun Ogunode (QAT).

As in the previous championships, three-times world champion Allyson Felix and two-times Olympic champion Veronica Campbell will have to "fight very intense" for gold medal. I'm a bit on felix side.

400 meters
The 18-year-old (turning 19) Kirani James is perhaps "too young" to become the world champion. But Steve Lewis has done it before (Olympic title - 43.87 , 1988, aged 19). I'm not saying he can't but for now I'd pick LaShawn Meritt as the winner, if not there's Jermaine Gonzales of JAM to win the title. Oscar Pistorious will explode, too !!

Sanya Richards-Ross is the second fastest (49.66) in the world this year, but I still believe that she will finish the first place. Watch out Allyson felix, she is the the main obstacle in the process. Oh wait... the 32-year-old Anastasiya Kapachinskaya of Russia ran a PB 49.35s (WL) this year !!

800 meters
Who other runners out there who has the ability to beat David Rudisha in the men's 800m? I don't think any.

1500 meters
Silas Kiplagat (KEN) is very consistent this year. He will take the world title.

Maryam Yusuf Jamal will be gunning for her third gold medal (1500m) in the world championships. I've no doubt on this.

5000 meters
Mohammed "Mo" Farah of GBR who clocked 12:53.11, will not only return with world title but new records. However watch out Kenenisa Bekele, who i think the main destroyer.

World lead Vivian Jepkemoi of KEN seems "okay" to win world title. I only doubt about this if Meseret Defar of ETH perform her best or close to PB (14:12.88).

10000 meters
Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) and Zersenay Tadese (ERI) will fight between each other to win the world title. I'm a bit on Bekele side since he has never give a "disappointing shot".

Marathon
Defending world champion Abel Kirui of Kenya is most likely to defend his world title. Or if not, there's a compatriot Vincent Kipruto who has recorded 2:05.13 this year to win gold.

3000m Steeplechase
Kenyan runners will dominate the podium. Ezekiel Kemboi is the defending world champion and ready to rock. However Brimin Kiprop Kipruto who has recorded 7:53.64 WL/PB will be the new world champion.

110 m / 100 m Hurdles
I feel that this is the time for these two athletes to become the world champions - David Oliver (PB 12.89) and Sally Pearson (PB/SB 12.48).

400m hurdles
Louis Jacob van Zyl is the world leader with 47.66 (NR). But Bershawn Jackson will take the world title for the third times.

Lashinda Demus is perhaps the right choice if you wish to name the world champion in the 400mh.

High Jump
Ivan Ukhov (PB 2.40) of RUS is lack of consistency. He really excelled at indoors but not outdoors. Perhaps this is the time to become the world outdoor champion. If not, I would choose Jessie Williams of USA (SB 2.37).

Blanka Vlasic was or is injured? I'm not really sure about her condition. If you want to bet money out there, I would suggests to pick Anna Chicherova of RUS who leaped 2.07m recently (world lead).

Pole Vault
Australian great Steve Hooker is injured. So Renaud Lavillenie of France is the man in Pole Vault.

In the women's, It's between Yelena Isinbayeva of RUS (everyone knew her) and Jenn Suhr of USA who set a world lead 4.91m. Isinbayeva did a great mistake in 2009 World champs, she learnt a lot and ready to become a world champion.

Long Jump
It's not because of he is the world lead then you pick him as the favorite. But I think Mitchell Watt of AUS (8.54 WL) is going to deliver something special in Daegu. Nevertheless, USA's Dwight Phillips seems to defend his world title in Daegu.

Triple Jump
Despite of most people have chosen the defending World champion, Philipps Idowu of GBR, I've already pick Teddy Tambgo of France to become world champion. Lets see what happen then.

In women's it will be between the Asian stardom Olga Rypakova and two-times world champion Yargelis Savigne. My instinct tells Rypakova will win.

Shot Put
Dylan Armstrong of CAN who threw 21.60m this year is the man to watch. It's when the defending world champion Christian Cantwell (USA) underperform.

The two times world champion Valerie Vili Adams is very good to any other opponents in the world. No one could take the gold away from her.

Hammer Throw
(Women) I'm afraid to lose "my gold medal collections" from Daegu. Betty Heidler of GER who broke the world record this year is in my list now.

I'm a fan of Barbora Spotakova (PB 72.28 = WR / SB 69.45). She is the favorite in Daegu.

4x100 meters
Without Asafa Powell and Steve Mullings, which team do you think will take the gold medal? I'm a bit on USA side at the moment. If they have some exchange problems (as usual), then I would (automatically) pick Jamaica, and followed by Trinidad and Tobago and France.

The women's will be between USA and JAM. I feel it's really dependent on how good the baton exchanges are. Perhaps, now is the turn for the USA team.

4x400 meters
All i can say... United States is the King and is the Queen of 4x400m.

Combined events
American will win the world title. It's whether Ashton Eaton or Trey Hardee, both strong and the chance is almost 50-50... but if you need some help (bet money purpose), go for Ashton Eaton.

In the women's , Jessica Ennis is the best in the world and ready for gold.

>> August 22, 2011

When Marion Jones sentenced to prison a few years ago for lying in the investigation of performance enhancer-drug, Ben Johnson in an interview advised her to accept what has happened, back to normal life and just go forward. It may seems to be an advice for Steve Mullings too, as he would face a lifetime ban from athletics.

In June 2004, Steve Mullings tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone during the Jamaican national championships in Kingston. He was then suspended two years under the rule of IAAF for first offence.

Mullings back in athletics in 2006 but did not reach the level as before. He recorded 10.31 in 100m and 20.54 in 200m. A year later he won silver medal at the 4x100m relays in the World championships in Osaka. In 2009, he was part of Jamaican team alongside Michael Frater, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell that won the gold medal at 4x100m (37.30) in the World championships in Berlin. It's the highest performance achieved by Mullings in the major meets.

He looked very impressive in 2011, breaking the 10s barrier is something that he had never done and only the very best will do, but the 28-year-old eventually broke it, not once or twice but seven times. That is including his 9.80 run from the Diamond league meet in Eugene, just one hundredth of a second slower than Ben Johnson and Maurice Greene, but he says he still in the middle of heavy training and expecting to improve the time during the world championships. Nevertheless, the effort puts him third fastest in the world so far this year and sixth in the all-time rankings. The following is Steve Mullings' progression at 100 meters and his sub10 performance lists.

Year

100 meters

2011

9.80 +1.3 Eugene USA 01 June

9.89 +2.0 Clermont USA 21 May

9.90 +2.0 Starkville USA 16 April

9.93 +1.4 Arzana ITA 30 July

9.96 +0.6 Kingston JAM 24 June

9.97 -0.2 Ostrava CZE 31 May

9.98 +0.6 Lignano Sabbiadoro ITA 19 July

2010

10.03 +1.2 Lappeenranta FIN 15 July

2009

10.01 +0.4 Roma ITA 10 July

2008

10.19 +2.0 Gainesville USA 04 April

2007

10.05 +1.3 Zaragoza ESP 28 July

2006

10.31 -0.3 Tessaloniki GRE 24 July

2005

-

2004

10.04 -0.1 Kingston JAM 27 June

2003

10.28 +1.1 Austin USA 04 April

2002

10.69 -2.2 Kingston JAM 21 June

2001

10.59 +0.7 Santa Fe USA 18 October

Courtesy of AdrianSprints.com

While Mullings and his coach Lance Brauman in their final preparations towards the biggest meet in the world, his 'A' urine sample taken at the Jamaican nationals in late June was found to contain a masking agent namely diuretic furosemide, which is known to be a powerful substance to increase the 'cleaning' efficiency. He denied, claiming he wasn't on drug and said he don't even know what does the drug really do. However his chance to convince the people around that he never take the such substance seems over when the 'B' sample of his urine which was tested in Montreal, had also comeback positive.

Doping has been prohibited since 1928 in athletics. First offence will be banned about two years but it's dependent on the types of doping. Like Ben Johnson in 1993, Mullings who I believe had a great chance of winning at least two medals in the World championships next week, now would face a life ban (or at least 4 years) from athletics once the authority announce their decision on this case.

A good lesson to athletes out there, there is no crap shortcut, magic pills, or snake oils, to improve performances. Anyway, as Ben Johnson said, what ever happened life must go on.

>> August 16, 2011

Universiade or World University Games (WUG) is an event organized by FISU (Federation Internationale du Sports Universitaire) and held every two years. WUG is the second largest multi-sport event in the World, after the Olympics. Summary:Date: August 16 - 21, 2011 (athletics)Location: Shenzhen, ChinaEvent size: >170 countries / 13,000 athletes & officials
Athletics full result are as follow;